Thiruvananthapuram: Congress leader K Muraleedharan has sharply criticised the Kerala government over the recently released audit report on the Global Ayyappa Summit (Ayyappa Sangamam), alleging financial mismanagement and irregularities in fund utilisation. He even remarked that Veerappan himself would have been defeated trying to pull off a scam of that magnitude.

Speaking to the media, Muraleedharan questioned the audit findings, saying that while the Global Ayyappa Summit reportedly cost Rs 4 crore and received an equal amount in sponsorships, the report claimed a loss of Rs 3.40 crore. “If Rs 4 crore were spent and Rs 4 crore received in sponsorship, how can there be any loss?” he asked.

Allegations of mismanagement

Muraleedharan alleged that the group Nandagovindam was excluded from the event and that another concert was organised at an inflated cost. “They billed Rs 8 lakh and organised a concert with another party for Rs 2 lakh. Minister Vasavan didn’t even understand what a concert or music festival was. He just saw someone conducting it,” he said.

He added that only the idol remains at Sabarimala because it is not made of gold, while other assets, including funds from the Devaswom Board, were allegedly misappropriated.

Call for resignation

The leader claimed that the High Court had clarified that neither the government nor the Devaswom Board had the right to retain the funds. “Then on what basis was the money taken? Minister Vasavan provided incorrect figures in the Assembly. He must resign. We are not ready to compromise on this,” Muraleedharan asserted.

Criticism of event figures

Muraleedharan also ridiculed the reported participation and food arrangements, stating, “It is said that 4,000 people participated and 5,000 ate food. Did one person eat for five or ten people? This is nothing but loot. Even Veerappan would be shocked seeing this. He looted to survive, but they are looting under the rule of law.”

Assembly election remarks

When asked about contesting the upcoming assembly elections from Vattiyoorkavu, Muraleedharan said he was not afraid and added that the party would decide on candidature.